September - November 2001

Table of Contents

What is Outdoor Action?

The Outdoor Action Program (OA) is Princeton University's outdoor experiential
education program. We offer trips and courses throughout the academic year to
Princeton undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff in many different
outdoor activities. All OA trips are led by students who have gone through an
extensive Leader Training Program. If you are interested in becoming an OA Leader,
see below for details and schedules.

This newsletter is published twice each semester to provide information about
Outdoor Action's upcoming trips and programs. The Outdoor Action Program (OA)
is Princeton University's outdoor experiential education program administered
by the Princeton-Blairstown Center. For more details on OA activities see the
OA Web Site.

How Do I Sign up for a Trip?

Sign-ups for trips will begin on Monday, September 17. All OA trip and
activity sign ups are done through our Web Server online signup program.
Payment for trips is due in advance, and will be charged to your University
account. If you have any questions, please call the OA Office.

OA Open House

Interested in getting involved in Outdoor Action (OA), but not sure where to
begin? Interested in learning more about the Leadership Training Program or
other OA courses and trips? Join us at our fall Open House in the Multipurpose
room of the Frist Campus Center. Leaders and OA Staff will be present to answer
questions and share information about Outdoor Action activities.

Beginner's
Whitewater Kayaking Course

If you are interested in learning how to kayak, whether for gentle cruises
on a lake or challenging whitewater, then this is the course for you. OA is
offering a comprehensive 2-week kayaking course. You don't need any prior experience
to take this course. We begin with basic flatwater and stroke skills on Lake
Carnegie and then move to moving water and easy whitewater maneuvers like Eddy
Turns, Peel Outs, and Ferries. All equipment will be provided by OA. Course
fee: Students $75, Faculty/Staff $100, OA leaders $45. The course will meet
on the following dates: Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Introduction to Rock Climbing Course

If you are interested in learning to rock climb, then this 2-week course will
teach you all the essential techniques of climbing, including tying in, belaying
and specific climbing techniques like weight shifting, stemming, and laybacks.
The course will meet at OA's indoor Climbing Wall in the Armory. There will
also be a field trip to the cliffs at Ralph Stover State Park to practice all
that you have learned at a real rock climbing site. Course fee: Students
$70, faculty/staff $95. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Top Rope Climbing Course

Once you have become comfortable with basic climbing techniques, the next step
is to learn the technical skills of setting up ropes and anchoring systems so
you can climb outdoors on your own. The course will focus on learning to set
up safe systems for top rope climbing in the outdoors. Topics include use of
trees and boulders as anchors, anchor-building technique, equipment, site management,
and safety. The course will also emphasize teaching climbing to beginners, guidebook
interpretation, and climbing ethics. This course is a requirement for anyone
interested in leading a rock climbing OA Trips. Classes will meet at OA's indoor
Climbing Wall in the Armory. There will also be several field classes to a local
climbign area to practice setting up real top rope climbs. Course fee:
Students $70, Faculty/Staff $95, OA Leaders $40. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Rock
Climbing Day Trip

Rock Climbing provides an opportunity to challenge yourself both physically
and mentally as you work your way up a rock face. We are offering a day trip
to a Ralph Stover State Park in Pennsylvania that offers both beginning and
intermediate level climbing routes. You'll learn the basic techniques of rock
climbing including tieing in, how to belay, and climbing techniques like weight
shifts, using your legs, etc. This is an ideal trip for beginners and experienced
climbers alike. All equipment will be provided by OA. Trip Fee: Students
$15, Faculty/Staff $20. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Saturday, 9/29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OA Climbing Wall

The
Climbing Wall is an indoor rock climbing practice facility located in the Armory
next to Jadwin Gym. Climbers of all abilities are welcome. Experienced instructors
are on hand to teach skills and assist in solving particular climbing routes.
The Climbing Wall is open only to students, faculty, and staff of Princeton
University. PUID required. Children of members of the University community may
climb with a parent present. The Climbing Wall is open throughout the academic
year except during breaks and final exams.

Fees:

Passes can be purchased at the Climbing Wall. You must have your University
ID.

New to the Climbing Wall?

New Climbers can climb free for the first visit! Climbers of all abilities
are welcome. Only individuals who have passed the belaying course are eligible
to belay at the Wall. OA offers free belaying classes for new climbers to give
you instruction on how to properly tie-in and belay. Classes are offered during
all regular Wall hours.

Bring Your Group to the Wall

If you want a fun group building activity for your organization or group, schedule
a night at the Wall. Contact the OA Office for details.

Canoeing the Delaware

The Delaware River offers beautiful flatwater canoeing in the fall through
the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. This day trip will explore
the river and the wonderful fall colors along the river. No previous canoeing
experience is required. Trip fee: students $10, faculty/staff $15. Sign
up at the OA
TripStore.

Hikathon for the American Red Cross NYC Disaster Relief Fund

Each year Outdoor Action sponsors a special community service hikathon. This
year funds will be donated to the American Red Cross for disaster relief for
New York. You can join us for a fun hike, bike, or run on the Delaware &
Raritan Canal towpath next to Lake Carnegie. There are 3 routes available
3.1 miles, 7.6 miles, or 9.4 miles. This is a great way to explore the towpath,
have a fun hike with friends, and benefit disaster relief. The Hike will start
on the south
lawn of the Frist Campus Center. There is a $5.00 entry fee which can be made
in cash or check payable to the Red Cross. Payment is due at the hikathon registration
on Saturday. Co-sponsored with the Student Volunteers Council. All proceeds
go to the Red Cross. The hike will depart from the south lawn of Frist Campus
Center. We encourage you to check in at the times listed below based on how
far you are planning to hike.

Fall Foliage Hike

In mid-October the trees are blazing with colors in southern New York. Join
us for a day hike through beautiful forested trails of Harriman State Park.
During the Ice Age, glaciers plowed through the hills of this area scraping
away debris and loose rock and creating a series of glacial lakes.. The mountain
tops of Harriman are rocky and exposed which allows for spectacular views including
the fall colors along the Hudson River. Trip fee: students $10.00, faculty/staff
$15.00. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Rock Climbing in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has some tremendous rock climbing. Josh Morris `99 is currently
living in Thailand and working at one of the major climbing walls there. Josh
will be doing a talk about climbing and his cultural experiences living in this
wonderful part of the world on Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30 PM in Frist 302. Co-sponsored
by Outdoor Action and Princeton-in-Asia.

Fall
Backpacking Trips

The autumn color views from the summits of the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia
are spectacular. There will be two 4-day backpacking trips to the Appalachian
Trail in Shenandoah National Park over fall break. Discover the excitement of
living in the woods and hiking along beautiful ridges and beside winding streams.
The sensation of carrying everything you need on your back can be incredibly
satisfying, particularly when you can share the experience with a group of friends.
Each trip will cover 4-8 miles of hiking each day. You'll learn all the basic
skills for backcountry travel and camping including route finding, equipment
use, and Leave No Trace camping. Equipment, transportation, and food will be
provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip fee:
Students $95, Faculty/Staff $120. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Outdoor Action is offering a Women's Backpacking trip to the Michaux State
Forest in Pennsylvania. This trip offers an opportunity to learn the basics
of backcountry camping in one of the beautiful forest areas of the east coast.
We will travel approximately 5-8 miles each day. This is trip offers the opportunity
to explore the outdoors and get to know other women at Princeton in a setting
outside of the classroom. (See the trip description above). Equipment, transportation,
and food will be provided by OA. Trip co-sponsored by the Organization of
Women Leaders (OWL).
Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip Fee: $95. Sign up at the
OA TripStore.

Coastal Canoeing Trip

Sand dunes, sea birds, bayside marshes, and surf are just part of the special
environment of the Atlantic barrier islands. This four-day canoeing trip to
Assateague National Seashore will follow the Chincoteague Bay canoe route to
various wilderness campsites on the protected bay side of the island. A short
hike across the dunes and you'll be looking out into the Atlantic Ocean. There
will be time to play in the dunes, hike, swim, and see the wild horses of Assateague
and Chincoteague. You'll learn the basic skills for backcountry travel and canoe
camping. All equipment will be provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday,
October 12. Trip fee: students $95, faculty/staff $120. Sign up at the
OA TripStore.

Graduate Student Backpacking Trip

Outdoor Action is offering an all Graduate Student Backpacking trip to one
of the beautiful forests of the east coast. We will travel approximately 5-8
miles each day at a leisurely pace. This is a great opportunity to get to know
other Graduate Students and to spend some time in the outdoors (See the trip
description above). Equipment, transportation, and food will be provided by
OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip Fee: $95. Sign
up at the OA
TripStore.

Community Service Trail Maintenance Trip

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area consists of 150,000 acres of national
forest land located in the mountains of southern Virginia. It contains the state's
highest peak, Mt. Roger's at 5,279 feet and hundreds of miles of trail including
the Appalachian Trail. This special Alternative Break program is sponsored by
the Student Conservation Association. You'll be involved in a variety of trail
maintenance activities such things as installing water bars on trails to divert
water runoff, removing brush, and establishing trail routes. No previous trail
maintenance experience is required just an ability to live and work as part
of a team, follow directions and adhere to safe working practices. The lodging
arrangement is in small tent-cabins (two people per tent) in a central camp
area. The camp is equipped with a communal kitchen, showers, a recreation room,
pool table and VCR. There will be opportunities to hike on some of the beautiful
trails while you are in the park. Be prepared to work hard and enjoy the satisfaction
a maintaining this beautiful area. All equipment will be provided by OA. Sign-up
deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip fee: students $125, faculty/staff
$150. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Interested in leading a Frosh Trip for the Class of 2006? Complete your Leader
Training this fall! OA's Leader Training Program is considered one of the most
comprehensive in the nation and has been used as a model by schools across the
country. In the Leader Training Program participants develop skills in leadership,
group facilitation, safety, first aid, and valuable wilderness travel skills.
Don't consider yourself outdoorsy? You don't need to have any previous outdoor
experience to become an OA Leader. We provide all the training you need to learn
to lead and facilitate groups in the outdoors. We are looking for a diverse
group of students who can provide leadership for incoming frosh. Upon completion
of the program, participants are eligible to apply to lead OA trips.

OA Leader Training Requirements

The five components of Leader Training are listed below. The first four components
can be taken at any time but must be completed before participating in
the Leader Training Course (LTC); some participants prefer to take all of them
at once (in Fast Track format) and some prefer to spread it out over a few semesters.
The LTC is offered during Fall Break, Spring Break and after exams in May each
year. See the Fall Leader Training Schedule to find out when each component
will next be offered.

 Facilitator's Workshop

Facilitating positive group interaction and teamwork requires excellent listening
and observation skills and a set of activities and techniques to guide people
through personal growth and development. This workshop will train OA leaders
and others who work with groups in specific techniques for effective group facilitation.
This is a hands-on, experiential workshop. Be prepared to have fun! Sign up
at the OA TripStore.

 Leadership & Group Dynamics Workshop

One of the greatest challenges of being a group leader is learning how to lead
and motivate a group, and how to use group experiences to promote self-exploration
and learning. This workshop is designed to teach OA leaders and others how to
effectively lead groups. This is a hands-on, experiential based workshop so
be prepared to be active. You must have completed the Facilitators Workshop
previously in order to attend. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

 Outdoor Safety Management Workshop

This seminar is designed to make all wilderness travelers familiar with the
causes of accidents in the wilderness, how to prevent accidents through effective
pre-trip planning, how to identify risks in the field, and how to increase your
margin of safety. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

 Leader Training Course

Leading a group on a backcountry trip requires extensive training in wilderness
camping skills. The Leader Training Course (LTC) is designed to teach all the
wilderness skills necessary to lead multi-day backpacking trips, including route
planning, equipment preparation, wilderness travel techniques, map and compass,
outdoor cooking, and minimal impact camping. The course includes 10 hours of
pre-trip classes and preparation, and a 6-day trip. Trip participants learn
how to run a wilderness trip by planning all aspects of the trip, including
route, food, and equipment, and each participant is required to research and
teach a class on a particular wilderness topic. Participants are required to
attend all meetings and classes. The text for the course will be the Backpacker's
Field Manual, written by Outdoor Action. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Backpacking Leader Training Course

The Backpacking Leader Training Course (LTC) is offered over Fall Break, Spring
Break and after final exams in May. Over Fall and Spring Break we offer Leader
Training in Fast Track format. Participants must have already completed wilderness
first aid and CPR then all of the other parts of leader training take palce
over break so your whole break is spent doing fun and exciting Outdoor Action
activities.Course fee: $95 students, $120 faculty/staff. Sign up at the
OA TripStore.

 Van Driver Training (optional, but highly recommended)

OA Leaders are strongly encouraged to become authorized van drivers. You must
complete an online course and quiz on driving 15-passenger vans. Drivers must
also complete a 30-minute road test. To gain access to the online course and
schedule a road test see the Public Safety Office website for more information
(http://webware.princeton.edu/pubsaf/Fleet.htm).

Fall Leader Training Schedule

This fall Leader Training will be offered in Fast Track format. This means
that all components of training other than first aid and CPR and will be held
during Fall Break. First aid and CPR must be completed before Break.
If you sign up to do Fast Track, plan to spend all of break doing leadership
training. It's a great way to fit in all of the requirements and a fun way to
spend a break!

Van Driver Training:

Adult CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an important skill
to have as a member of a community. This American Red Cross course will teach
you to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies
in adults. Course fee: $16. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Tuesday, 10/2, 7-11 p.m.,

Adult CPR Refresher: These American Red Cross refresher courses are
for anyone who needs to update certification. You must be currently certified
or recently expired. Course fee: $16. Sign up at the OA
TripStore.

Wednesday, 10/17, 7 - 9 p.m., 309 Frist

Wilderness First Responder Course

OA is sponsoring a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course during Intersession
in January taught by Wilderness Medical Associates. This is an excellent course
for anyone spending extended periods in wilderness or remote environments including
backpackers, paddlers, climbers, photographers, and scientists. This 84-hour
course is specifically designed to emphasize the wilderness contextremote
locations, severe environments, and simple improvised equipment. The course
will cover patient examination and evaluation, body systems and anatomy, trauma
care, environmental emergencies, splints, wilderness rescue, and backcountry
medicine. This is an intensive course that meets 10 hours each day with morning
lectures and afternoon skills practice including simulated rescues, daily quizzes
and a final exam. The course will run from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day. The
course will be held at the Princeton-Blairstown Center in northern New Jersey.
At the Center participants will stay in rustic cabins. The cost of the course
includes transportation, lodging and meals. Participants will depart for Blairstown
on Friday, 1/25/2002. The course will run from Saturday, 1/26/2002 through noon
on Sunday, 2/3/2002. Preference will be given to OA Leaders and Leaders-in-training.
Course fee: OA Leaders $250, Princeton students $400, faculty/staff $500,
outside the University $675. Food and Lodging: $100 for the week. Sign
up at the OA TripStore.
Sign ups at this time are only open to the Princeton University community.

Equipment Rentals

Outdoor Action's Equipment Room (ER) is located on the bottom floor of 48 University
Place, facing the Foulke Hall quad. The ER is open two evenings a week while
classes are in session. Any member of the campus community may rent equipment.
Rental costs are minimal. Please come and visit! Call with any questions, 8-6417.
PUID required.